"I accept this greatest honour bestowed upon a seedsman on behalf of all those involved in the effort to grow more food--scientists, administrators, governments seed growers, farmers and farm labourers," Barwale said at a gathering in Des Moines, Iowa, USA, recently according to a press release from MAHYCO.

"Indian seed industry is growing at 10-15 per cent annually, and has a turnover of over $920 million, including $20 million in exports.

At least three quarters of the seeds of hybrid crops like maize, sorghum, millet, sunflower, cotton and vegetables are supplied by these hundred companies," Barwale said.

"Land has not increased, the number of farmers has not increased, but they aregrowing more and much better crops. The Indian farmers are today's heros as India's foodgrain production has increased from 80 million tonnes annually in the sixties to nearly 200 million tonnes today. Seed has played a very important role in this production along with irrigation, fertilizers, and other agricultural inputs".